James comes to Newcenter1 Media Group with a multitude of professional experiences and a passion for people and solving problems. After graduating from South Dakota State University, he spent 15 years as a high school agricultural educator and coach. During that time, he also earned a Master of Science degree in Rangeland Ecosystem Science from Colorado State University. Then in 2018 he took the helm at the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) serving as its Executive Director until 2022. While with the SDSGA, James grew to be a leader for Agriculture in South Dakota successfully advocating for many issues facing the industry at the local, state, and federal levels.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, James started consulting with NC1 ownership and staff to conceptualize and bring to fruition the hit TV series Homegrown. Capitalizing on his rural roots and connections, James has helped Homegrown exceed expectations of bridging the gap between rural and urban folks across the region. In 2021 he took over as the host of the show as well as executive director responsibilities.
James and his wife Jessie are proud first generation producers as well. They run a cow/calf outfit, raise hay, and sell beef direct to consumers. Their three kids all raise and show livestock and actively help with daily ranching duties. James volunteers coaching many youth activities including wrestling, football, and baseball.
James has served on many boards and in community activities such as, SD FFA Foundation, Black Hills Regional Multiple Use Coalition, SD Livestock Industry Trust Fund, St. Paul’s Parish Council, St. Paul’s Building Committee, Sundance Youth Wrestling Club, Western Legacy Development Corp., Multiple SD GF&P Wildlife Task Forces, Wyoming Resource Education Days, Western Junior Livestock Show, Butte/Lawrence County Fair, and the Crook County Fair.
James comes to Newcenter1 Media Group with a multitude of professional experiences and a passion for people and solving problems. After graduating from South Dakota State University, he spent 15 years as a high school agricultural educator and coach. During that time, he also earned a Master of Science degree in Rangeland Ecosystem Science from Colorado State University. Then in 2018 he took the helm at the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) serving as its Executive Director until 2022. While with the SDSGA, James grew to be a leader for Agriculture in South Dakota successfully advocating for many issues facing the industry at the local, state, and federal levels.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, James started consulting with NC1 ownership and staff to conceptualize and bring to fruition the hit TV series Homegrown. Capitalizing on his rural roots and connections, James has helped Homegrown exceed expectations of bridging the gap between rural and urban folks across the region. In 2021 he took over as the host of the show as well as executive director responsibilities.
James and his wife Jessie are proud first generation producers as well. They run a cow/calf outfit, raise hay, and sell beef direct to consumers. Their three kids all raise and show livestock and actively help with daily ranching duties. James volunteers coaching many youth activities including wrestling, football, and baseball.
James has served on many boards and in community activities such as, SD FFA Foundation, Black Hills Regional Multiple Use Coalition, SD Livestock Industry Trust Fund, St. Paul’s Parish Council, St. Paul’s Building Committee, Sundance Youth Wrestling Club, Western Legacy Development Corp., Multiple SD GF&P Wildlife Task Forces, Wyoming Resource Education Days, Western Junior Livestock Show, Butte/Lawrence County Fair, and the Crook County Fair.